Why Jamaica?

My relationship with Jamaica began during one of the most difficult seasons of my life. I had been diagnosed with bladder cancer and given a devastating prognosis. I was told that my future could be very short.

I did not go to Negril simply for a vacation. I went there because I needed time and space to think about my life, my faith, my relationships, and what I believed God wanted me to do with whatever time I had left.

That is why I walked.

I walked more than 100 miles up and down Negril’s Seven Mile Beach. The walking gave me time to get away from the noise of everyday life and deal honestly with myself. I fasted. I prayed. I read through the four Gospels. I thought about the decisions I had made, the people I had hurt, the people who had hurt me, the things I needed to forgive, the things I needed to change, and the kind of man I wanted to be if God allowed me more time.

As I read the Gospels, I focused especially on the healings done by and around Jesus. I kept noticing a truth that appeared again and again in His words:

Those words challenged me to examine what faith really meant. I learned to trust God more deeply and to listen for the leading of the Holy Spirit during what I came to call my Miracle Walk.

That time on the beach became a turning point in my life. I came to Negril facing fear, uncertainty, and the possibility that my life might be ending. I left with a renewed sense of purpose and a determination that, if God gave me more time, I would use that time to help other people.

Today, I am cancer-free, and I consider the life God has given me an opportunity to serve His purposes and give back to others.

Jamaica Became Home

Over the years, I returned to Negril again and again for healing, restoration, prayer, and reflection. What began as a place I visited eventually became much more than that.

I became a retired, certified Jamaican resident, approved to make Jamaica my permanent home. I became part of the nation I had come to love and part of Jamaica’s beautiful identity:

Project HELP grew from my desire to give something back to the people and country that had become such an important part of my own journey.

My desire is not simply to arrive with temporary assistance. I want to live among the people, build relationships, encourage individuals and families, share the wisdom I have gained through a lifetime of experience, and help Jamaicans help one another.

I want to help people prosper, strengthen relationships, encourage families, and grow closer together while reflecting the principles expressed in Jamaica’s National Pledge.

What Project HELP Looks Like

When I walk Negril’s Seven Mile Beach, I meet people who spend virtually their entire day in one location serving tourists. While they remain in their particular area, I may walk the entire beach.

That gives me an opportunity to meet people from one end to the other, hear their stories, understand some of their struggles, and build relationships.

I try to be what I call a positive stimulator—someone who brings encouragement, wisdom, understanding, and practical insight into a person’s life or business whenever I can.

Sometimes that means listening.

Sometimes it means counseling or coaching.

Sometimes it means encouraging someone who is struggling.

And sometimes the need is very practical.

When resources permit, I help people who need food, basic supplies, phone credit, or other necessities.

I have a particular heart for mothers trying to support their children after the father is no longer present. I understand some of those difficulties personally because I was once a single parent.

When I am not walking the beach, my heart remains especially drawn toward helping parents, children, individuals, and families build stronger lives and healthier relationships.